Dongshan village site in Zhangjiagang of Jiangsu province was listed as a “Great Heritage,” according to a list released by the Jiangsu Culture Relic Bureau.

It is the second such site of Zhangjiagang listed after the Huangsipu site was listed as one of the eight “Great Heritages” in the province.

“Great Heritages” refer to large ancient sites of villages, cities, palaces or tombs with great value and profound history. They reflect historical and cultural conditions in politics, religion, military, technology, industry, agriculture, architecture, transportation and water conservancy of different periods in history.

Dongshan village site is located in Jingang town of Zhangjiagang province, 18 kilometers east of downtown and 2 kilometers north of the Yangtze River.

The site was founded in 1989 when the town began plans to construct houses. In 1989 and 1990, experts from the Suzhou Museum excavated the site two times to save its relics. It became a provincial-level cultural heritage protection site in 1995.

At present, land development plans have put the site in danger. The site was excavated again in 2008 and 2009 for protection. Experts said the village is the earliest example depicting social status in ancient society.